New name for the Department of Communication

August 05, 2011

Dear campus community,

The Department of Communication is now known as the Department of Rhetoric and Media Studies. We think the new name better expresses what we do. The term “Communication” is not only vague, but often suggests that we teach things like applied communication, public relations, and journalism, which we do not. As before, the newly named Department of Rhetoric and Media Studies will examine how verbal and visual messages can be used – and misused – to achieve persuasive or aesthetic goals. Thus, the two areas within the department are closely connected in their focus on how verbal and visual messages work and how they impact individuals, relationships, and social groups.

Peter Christenson, Chair
Department of Rhetoric and Media Studies
Lewis and Clark College
503.768.7614
peterc@lclark.edu